Joe has made no secret that he is suspicious — yet hopeful — about Mark Dominik trading a second round draft choice this season for Sgt. Winslow.

But after hearing Sgt. Winslow talk to Sirius NFL Radio’s Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots on “The Blitz” this afternoon, Joe was so fired up he wanted to start running down the street and hitting people.

While much of the interview dealt with his Cleveland days (Sgt. Winslow raved about Brady Quinn as a quarterback and leader), the initial minutes of the segment dealt with Sgt. Winslow’s new team, the Bucs.

Solomon Wilcots: How happy are you to be in Tampa?

(Kellen) Sgt. Winslow: I really couldn’t be happier. My family and I, it’s the happiest we can be with the move we made. We have big smiles on our faces. I can’t wait to get going.

Adam Schein: Were you aware of the trade when it was going down?

KW: Oh yeah, it was up to me, that was how it went down. I was cool about it. It was a one-day trade. Cleveland wanted to get it down right away or not do the deal. Cleveland didn’t want the rumors to get out there. Tampa Bay was the most interested team.

[Sgt. Winslow then, unprovoked, began talking about Bucs quarterback Luke McCown and Raheem The Dream.]

Luke McCown is a good friend of mine. We have a history together. We came into the league together. It was a no-brainer for me.

Meeting coach Morris and the tight ends coach [Alfredo Roberts] who is from Cleveland down here, it was a no-brainer this was the right move. I’m as happy as can be.

SW: What is in store next for Kellen Winslow for 2009?

KW: I’m just coming to work, just coming to work like I have always been doing. I’m just here to make plays for my team and help my team win. That’s all I can do.

We have a very fast team. I caught a pass in minicamp and there were six dudes around me. I’m not used to that. We are a very fast team. I can’t wait to get going. I’m excited, everybody is excited.

AS: Are you convinced Luke will be the starting quarterback?

KW: I think he will be. Everyone needs a chance and Luke has never had a chance. This is his sixth year in the league. If I was to start a franchise, he would be one of the few I’d put in there.

I know what he is about. He’s a great man, a great leader and he’s a very good athlete. He just needs his chance. Everybody needs a chance. We know what he is about and his teammates know what he is about.

Josh Johnson is very talented and he is pushing Luke. We have a lot of talent. I think Luke and Josh can really help us.

It’s a blessing I’m here. I don’t want to play for another coach now that I’ve met coach Morris. The energy level he brings is awesome. He’s a players’ coach, he’s a young guy but he knows what he is doing. He’s a decision-maker. We will make mistakes together but we will learn from that. He is infectious. I can’t wait to get going. I don’t want to play for anyone else.

SW: We don’t know what the Bucs are doing on defense. We don’t know what they are doing on offense. What can we expect from the Bucs?

KW: [Derrick] Brooks is a legend here; he’s gone. [Warrick] Dunn is a legend here; he’s gone. Joey Galloway is a legend. I wish I could have played with those guys.

But the 2009 Bucs will be real fast, real physical and we will hit you in the mouth. Offensively we will run the ball. The offensive line is solid. We will be real exciting and we will run the football.

AS: What will you think if the Bucs trade for [pouty Broncos quarterback] Jay Cutler?

KW: If it makes our team better… I’m seeing [Cutler] doesn’t want to leave now. I really don’t know what is going to happen. Luke is a great friend of mine and he deserves a chance but if Jay comes here, if it makes our team better…

Do the Bucs really need to look for pouty Broncos QB Jay Cutler to be a savior?

Joe has gone on record agreeing that whining daddy’s boy Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler would be an upgrade for the Bucs. Then again, so would Jason Campbell. Joe’s just unsure of the price for Cutler.

Joe is troubled a great deal by Cutler’s antics, both on and off the field. For Culter’s sake Joe hopes it’s just that Cutler needs new batteries in his blood glucose meter.

Joe also wondered why, if Cutler — who has yet to take a snap in a playoff game — was such a valuable commodity that one of the first moves new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels attempted to do was to trade Cutler?

Well, Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post penned a scathing column of Cutler and answers some of Joe’s questions.

What McDaniels knew to be as good as championship gold in New England were these traits in a quarterback: unflappable poise, the humility to take what the defense gives and acceptance of criticism in the pursuit of victory.

For all his obvious physical gifts, self-reliance and refusal to surrender, Cutler is cursed by a thin skin and a thick head.

Despite studying at the Southeastern Conference’s brainiac university and passing the Wonderlic test with flying colors, Cutler was not smart enough to act like a championship quarterback.

Joe has written before that Cutler may be a younger version of Jeff George: Gifted quarterback with a ten cent head and a bigger attitude than Dan Marino.

Joe is still of the mind that a third round pick for Matt Leinart would be better. Much better reward/risk factor than a still unproven quarterback with terrible mood swings and thin skin.

If a 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback largely viewed as a true franchise player is not worth two No. 1 picks, then who the hell is?

Those strange noises and assorted expletives you might be hearing are screaming matches at the JoeBucsFan.com headquarters.

No, we’re not fighting over Carmella Garcia posters. There’s a lot of disagreement here over the value of Jay Cutler to the Bucs.

Many Bucs fans think two first round draft picks is too steep a price for Cutler.

To those folks I have to pose the question: If a 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback largely viewed as a true franchise player is not worth two No. 1 picks, then who the hell is?

We’re talking about acquring a top-flight quarterback in a division that boasts Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Those guys are not going away.

In 2000, the Bucs traded the No. 12 pick and No. 27 overall pick for 27-year-old Keyshawn Johnson. That proved to be the right move for the franchise. And surely, Cutler at the quarterback position is more valuable than Keyshawn was at wide receiver.

In a perfect world the Bucs draft defensive players in the first and third rounds in 2009, AND Luke McCown comes out this season and proves to be a solid quarterback who avoids rookie mistakes.

The Bucs would then turn out a strong ground game and McCown could lean on that to keep him out of too many dangerous 3rd and long situations.

For 2010, the Bucs would then be in a stronger position to contend having solidified their defense through two drafts and two free agency periods, plus a seasoned McCown in his second full year.  

That’s the dream world.

The reality is if the Bucs drop two No. 1 picks on Cutler, they instantly have a super-powerful and super-young offense that could churn out a ton of points (assuming Michael Clayton can catch the ball). And they wouldn’t  have to gamble on McCown.

And that’s the key, really. Why gamble on McCown and your draft picks, when you can have a sure thing with Cutler?

Of course, with Cutler at quarterback in 2009, the Bucs would be hurting sorely on defense. But they could always turn to some veteran help in free agency (gasp) to plug holes in 2009, before fully addressing the defense in 2010.

Either way, the Bucs aren’t winning any hardware this season. But I’d much rather go into 2010 completely revamped with Jay Cutler at quarterback than gamble on Luke McCown.

If McCown doesn’t pan out in 2009, the Bucs would be almost forced to draft a quarterback in 2010. If it got to that point, that would represent their second gamble at quarterback in two seasons.

It’s not worth the gamble, if they can trade for Cutler now.

Since the Bucs don't have much to offer Denver in a trade for crybaby quarterback Jay Cutler, Joe wonders if offering Rachel Watson to Denver coach Josh McDaniels would seal the deal?

There is no scribe in the football business who breaks more stories than Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com.

Not Chris Mortensen, despite what the Disney Mice/thought control police would have you believe, not Adam Schefter even though most suggest he is constantly fed information from NFL executives because he works (worked?) for the NFL Network, a charge Schefter vehemently denied to Joe earlier this year.

Last night, Glazer caught up with disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler at a human cockfighting event. Based on information from Cutler and from piecing together information from his sources at Denver, Glazer is convinced not only is Cutler’s days in Denver over, but Cutler will play for an NFC team next season.

So Glazer told Randy Cross and Ross Tucker on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Opening Drive” this morning.

“I can’t picture at all him being traded to an AFC team.”

Joe just can’t see how the Bucs acquire Cutler unless they give up half the team, gut future draft choices or offer up Rachel Watson.

With word that the Washington Redskins will try to acquire disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, could Washington quarterback Jason Campbell be had?

Wednesday, several reliable sources, from Chris Mortenson of BSPN to the Redskins beat writers at the Washington Post, reported the Redskins will make a serious push for crybaby Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

If the Redskins want Cutler, then Washington starting quarterback Jason Campbell is expendable.

There are all sorts of reasons why the Bucs won’t be able to get Cutler. Money and lack of players are just a couple of potholes.

Though Campbell’s numbers have slightly slipped each year he has been a starter, he still throws more touchdowns than interceptions which is a helluva lot more than Son of Bob can say.

Raheem The Dream always talks about “competition” at quarterback. At worst, Campbell would be a reliable backup to Luke McCown; at best maybe a solid starter.

Joe wouldn’t mind this deal if competition, not excellence, is The Dream’s goal at quarterback. Personally, Joe would like to see the Bucs dangle a third round pick to Arizona for Matt Leinart.

Hey, the Bucs won’t have to cough up a first round pick for Campbell, that’s for sure.

The BSPN quartet of Wendy Nix, Mark Schlereth, Trent Dilfer and Chris Mortensen talk about where Cutler fits best. The first team out of “Mort’s” mouth was “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

Late Wednesday afternoon, Raheem The Dream called in to talk with the dean of Tampa Bay sports talk radio, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620. Of course, Joe took notes.

On how The Dream enthusiastically bounced around during minicamp:

“It’s fun for the guys. Gives them something to talk about.”

How his relationship and daily regime have changed now that he has media responsibilities:

“Funny, I got a preview of that [last year]. Every day it seemed like there was a defensive back issue. Now I have to do it in a press conference after each practice. It’s interesting. I’m getting used to it. It’s all positive. If you are positive they will be positive back.”

What has been The Dream’s biggest adjustment?

“It’s been really great. I’ve always been a nosey coach. Now, you visit around and control the tempo, the precision and the timing of practice… how everything works and runs. I’ve been walking around; see what everyone else is doing. It’s fun. I get excited and walk all around.”

What are some of your instructions to your assistants?

We talked about being fundamentalists. We hired some really good teachers and that’s what they are, they have a lesson plan and then you see the players’ execute in the afternoon. To watch [defensive coordinator Jim] Bates get excited and chest bump is fun to watch.

“[Bucs offensive line coach Pete Mangurian], he is exciting to be around. He motivates and stimulates. His voice is awesome. Rich Bisaccia is still motivated. He gives you details for what he wants and is detailed about what he wants.”

How will the new NFL rules affect you on special teams?

“Everybody has to adjust. We did have some wedges and cross blocks where three or more people came together and that is pretty much the rule. I used to be the guy who fought them. But if you go to owners meetings you grow up fast. Players’ safety is key.”

How have the players adapted to you?

Some don’t know about their own skin. Whether you agree or disagree you make rules. You make the game tough and as physically violent as you can.”

What are your thoughts on your first minicamp?

“We picked up a third one as a bonus deal. I used it now to get a preview of guys before the draft. It gives people a chance to run around and learn after the offseason.

We have had a great turnout. We missed a few people. But it has been fun. We are moving on.”

What’s up with Kellen Winslow, Jr.?

“It’s a voluntary camp. He’s been in meetings and looking at tape. I’m excited to have him here. exited t have here. Yesterday he was awesome. Yesterday he acted like a big giant ball boy.”

At the combine, how much weight did you put into the interviews?

“It’s really everything. It’s why we go to the combine. Otherwise, we’d just stay home and watch the NFL Network.

“In an interview, you get a chance to feel that person and try to hear him out. When they get to your place you hope they have questions for you. Then you determine if this is someone you want on your team?”

How is Jermaine Phillips making the switch to linebacker?

The one thing we know and love is that Phillips can play in a box. He is so violent. To see him make plays and have so much fun, it’s rejuvenating. You are excited. I’m having a bunch of fun watching him.”

What do you say for those who claim the move can’t be done, a safety moving to linebacker at the age of 30?

“That’s what you do; you move them down [closer to the line]. That’s the way the league is moving with the athletes [closer to the line]. That’s the way we are going. We need linebackers who can move, who can run, who are violent. Jermaine has a lot of those qualities. Dat Nguyen, Brian Urlacher, they were all safeties and you see those guys move around. It separates them a little bit.”

[JOE’S DISCLAIMER: Nguyen was, in fact, a linebacker at Texas A&M when drafted by the Cowboys.]

What is your defensive theory?

“The front four always get off the ball and gets vertical penetration, one-gap guys. Two-gap guys need to be more physical and be able to shed more blocks to make more plays. The ends need to be vertical but they also need the ability to be stout and make big time plays.

“To the naked eye, there’s not that much of a change. But the coverage is different. But we developed into a read-defense. We played more Cover-4 in recent years as much as Cover-2.

“That means you had a heck of a secondary coach calling disguises.”

Boston College defensive tackle Ron Brace will work out for the Bucs today, reports the Associated Press. Learn all about him and 11 defensive tackles who could be on the Bucs' radar in the exclusive draft coverage here at JoeBucsFan.com

Right now the Bucs may be begging the Broncos to take their first round draft pick, maybe next year’s too, for Jay Cutler.

That said, the Bucs still need to prepare to pick at No. 19.

And that pick is likely to fill their most glaring weakness: defensive line.

Boston College’s Ron Brace is scheduled to work out for the Bucs today.

Draft guru Justin Pawlowski, of The Sports Animal, 620 WDAE-AM, examines the potential impact on the Bucs roster of Brace and 10 more defensive tackles below. Get a comparison of their games to a current NFL player or two and a full breakdown of each.

Defensive Tackles – By Justin Pawlowski

BJ Raji – DT – Boston College
6’1’’ – 337 lbs – 5.13 (40 yd. dash)
Top 10 pick

Why I’m taking him: I want Raji on my team simply because opposing teams must game plan for him. He’s obviously got the size, but also possesses excellent quickness for a man his size. The thing that sticks out to me most about his play is the use of his hands. Hand usage is very important along both sides of the line. Raji does a great job of getting opposing linemen’s hands off him. He’s equally dominant against the run and pass.

Why I’m staying away: Can Raji’s game translate to the NFL? We’ve seen many big-bodied defensive tackles with loads of potential fail in the NFL. Another concern is his lack of conditioning. He has shown a lack of effort later in games. His character has also come into question with him being suspended for punching another player and being academically ineligible for the 2007 season.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Well, the odds aren’t very good that Raji will fall to the Bucs, but you never know. Maybe the Bucs trade up to grab him? Anyways, I’m not quite sure one could put into words the impact Raji would have on the Bucs. Defensive tackle might still be the biggest need for the Bucs and Raji is the best one available in the draft. I’m sure you can figure it out.

NFL Comparison: Shaun Rogers (Browns) or Casey Hampton (Steelers): I’m sure people see Rogers’ name and turn away, but when Rogers is at his best, he’s unstoppable. I see that same comparison in Raji. There are some slight concerns with effort and conditioning, but Raji has the ability to dominate a game. If he does what he’s supposed to do, he’ll be just like Casey Hampton. If not, expect problems similar to what Shaun Rogers brings.

Evander Hood – DT – Missouri
6’3’’ – 300 lbs – 4.89
1st Round

Why I’m taking him:  The more research I do on Hood, {+++} the more I like him. This guy does everything. The reason I like him most is his attitude. Hood is extremely coachable, a regular in the weight room, and a leader. With most of these defensive tackles equal in talent, Hood’s character stands alone. He’s quick in getting into the backfield, and uses his hands extremely well. He also went to the combine and was one of the big winners after blowing away scouts with his combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism. Also, Hood showed his toughness in 2006 when he missed just 3 games after breaking his foot. He came back to play 7 straight games after having a screw surgically placed in his foot just 3 weeks before.

Why I’m staying away: For some reason, Hood never dominated games or turned into a star at Missouri. Actually, he was under the radar until scouts and people like me went back and watched him play. He does tend to play too high at times, giving up his leverage.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The big question is, “what do the Bucs want out of their defensive tackles?” The thought is that the Bucs will go with bigger run-stopping tackles, and I’m not so sure Hood would fit that mold. However, Raheem the Dream said he wants a physical team both offensively and defensively. Hood is a physical player who just loves the game of football, and is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. I’m not sure if it would happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hood’s name was called with the 19th selection. He has continued to move up draft boards over the past month and a half, and I expect that to continue up to draft day. I see some people now have Hood ranked as a fringe 1st round selection. This is a guy with firm 1st round ability!!!

NFL Comparison: Rocky Bernard: Bernard, one of the stalwarts on the Giants’ defensive line has gone his entire career going under the radar. Hood has done that his entire collegiate career. I think these two players might have identical paths once it’s all said and done. Bernard has done the little things to turn into one of the more consistent defensive tackles in football. The one criticism of Hood is that he might never become one of the best. If he flies under the radar and plays like Bernard, that would be more than enough for me.

Peria Jerry – DT – Ole Miss.
6’2’’ – 299 lbs – DNP
1st Round

Why I’m taking him: I love penetration (that’s what she said) from my defensive tackles. Well, that’s what you get with Jerry. He is very quick off the ball with excellent agility. He does a good job at getting into the backfield and disrupting a play. Also, we can’t forget that his competition was the SEC over the course of his career. That can’t hurt. By the way, his first name is pronounced, “pa-RAY”.

Why I’m staying away: I’m unsure about Jerry. He seems to be a favorite among some people, especially ones who votes on my web page, but I just don’t see a dominant lineman. He definitely lacks the ideal size I want in my defensive linemen, and I’m not quite sure he has the frame to bulk up much more. Jerry’s very good against the pass, but I feel he could get buried in the run. The reason I say that is because he doesn’t play very physically. He also tends to play upright at times and loses his leverage. Last, but not least, Jerry has serious injury concerns. 3 of his 4 seasons required attention to injuries he had, including knee surgery before the 2008 season. Sure, he came back and played well, but will he stay healthy in a much tougher “NFL”.

Impact on the Bucs roster: To be honest, I’m not so sure Jerry is the right fit for what the Bucs are doing on defense. First, we’ve heard that Jim Bates wants bigger defensive tackles. Jerry is undersized. Next, we know that Raheem the Dream wants a physical team. Jerry is a finesse player. Finally, The Dream wants his team to practice hard everyday. Jerry has had injury issues. This isn’t me crushing Jerry; I just don’t feel he’s what the Bucs want at defensive tackle. Hell, I could be wrong, and that wouldn’t be a first. If the Bucs do draft Jerry, he’d still be one of the more talented lineman the Bucs have on the defensive side of the ball.

NFL Comparison: Anthony “Booger” Macfarland: I’m guessing this comparison is rather obvious. Jerry, much like Booger, is a much better pass rusher than run stuffer coming out of college. Both players are undersized for defensive tackles. They also both deal with numerous injuries. Actually, both players were rated very similar coming out of college from an SEC school.

Ron Brace – DT – Boston College
6’3’’ – 330 lbs. – 5.52
1st – 2nd Round

Why I’m taking him:  Well, I’m taking Brace to stop the run. This mammoth does a great job at gaining penetration up the middle and clogging the line of scrimmage to stop the run. His initial quickness off the snap is surprisingly good for a man his size. Strength is not a question as he is strong enough to take on double teams and hold his own. He can be extremely quick in short spaces.

Why I’m staying away: I’m worried Brace benefited from the attention paid to BJ Raji. Was Brace as dominant against the run as we are believed he is? He’s also not going to add much in regards to sack totals. Conditioning and stamina might be an issue. Also, he dealt with a back injury throughout the entire 2008 season.

Impact on the Bucs roster:  Jim Bates has always had defensive tackles that are big and take up multiple blockers. Brace fits that mold. Conditioning shouldn’t be a problem if the Bucs are truly going to run a rotation with their defensive tackles in the middle. Brace would finally be a physical presence in the middle of the Bucs defensive line. Do you take Brace with the 19th pick? He won’t last to the Bucs next pick in the 3rd round. By the way, does anyone know who Brace’s head coach was last year at Boston College? Yep, it was new Bucs offensive coordinator, Jeff Jagodzinski. Hmmm.

NFL Comparison: Pat Williams: When thinking of Brace, I think of typical nose tackles like Ted Washington, Sam Adams, and Pat Williams. A big body in the middle of a defensive line can make all the difference in whether or not your defense can stop the run. Since Pat Williams arrived in Minnesota, the Vikings have had one of the top run stopping defenses in the NFL. It might not happen immediately, but Brace could have that same affect, draw double teams, and allow other players to make plays.

Fili Moala – DT – USC
6’4’’ – 305 lbs – 5.10
2nd Round

Why I’m taking him: I’m excited about the potential of Moala. I know that the word “potential” rubs some of you the wrong way, but I believe Moala is already a good player. I’m anxious to see just how good he can be. His height and frame tells me there is still plenty more room for growth. When watching his film, I’m very impressed with his quickness off the ball. He darts into the backfield disrupting the play whether it be a pass or run. He’s got nice bloodlines as well as his cousin is Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata.

Why I’m staying away: Uh oh, did I use the word potential? Am I willing to risk waiting for that potential to be reached? Moala was quite inconsistent during his career at USC. He’s also just a space eater. You won’t get much pass rush out of him. The difference between him and Ron Brace is that Brace has the size and build for a run stopper. With Moala’s height and weight ratio, he looks lanky at times. I know, a 300 lbs man looking lanky? But it’s true!!!

Impact on the Bucs roster: First, I don’t see the Bucs taking Moala unless they trade back and acquire a 2nd round pick, or Moala falls to the 3rd round. I’m not so sure the Bucs can afford to wait and see if Moala reaches his potential. Although, he is a big run stopping defensive tackle that SHOULD get bigger and better in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Marcus Spears: Much like Spears, Moala’s best fit is going to be as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense. This will limit the number of teams looking at him. Of course, there is still a chance that a team that runs a 4-3 defense could still be interested in his potential.

Sen’Derrick Marks – DT – Auburn
6’2’’ – 306 lbs – 5.03
2nd – 3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: Marks is an interesting prospect. What stands out most to me about him is his ability to do many things well. He gets good leverage due to his strong lower body. His quickness is exceptional both off the ball and in close areas. Another thing I really like about him is that he has good character.

Why I’m staying away: Marks has a nice frame, but I’m unsure how much bigger he could get. I feel that if he puts more weight on, it might slow him down and make him sluggish. Durability is a major concern of mine with Marks. He has had numerous ankle injuries over the course of his collegiate career, and I fear those might continue in the NFL. He is not elite in any area of his game.

Impact on the Bucs roster: With the Bucs moving to a bigger defensive tackle set, I’m not so sure Marks is the type of defensive tackle the Bucs are looking for. As I stated above, Marks might be limited in how big he can get. Also, with the Bucs lacking a 2nd round pick, the only way I see the Bucs drafting Marks is if they trade down and acquire extra draft picks including one or two in the 2nd round. If Marks falls to the Bucs pick in the 3rd round, the Bucs should take him. That would be very good value and worth a shot.

NFL Comparison: John McCargo: Much like McCargo, Marks looks to be a “rotation defensive tackle.” What I mean by that is that I don’t view him as “the man” but more of a valuable guy off the bench. I thought the Bills drafted McCargo way too early, and they did. The best value for a player like Marks will be in the 3rd round, but expect some team to take a shot on him in round 2.

Mitch King – DT – Iowa
6’1’’ – 280 lbs – 4.89
3rd Round

Why I’m taking him: This guy’s mean. That’s a good thing. King possesses all the intangibles you want in a defensive tackle. He is mean. He is a leader. He is a hard worker. He will do everything in his power to win. His outstanding leverage makes it tough to move him off the line of scrimmage. King is the type of player that makes players around him better. The guy’s nasty!!!

Why I’m staying away: He’s too small. Is he a defensive tackle or defensive end? That’s his biggest flaw. With that lack of size, he tends to get engulfed by bigger more powerful offensive linemen. Another flaw is that he tends to let his emotions get the best of him.

Impact on the Bucs roster: I love the type of player King is, but he isn’t right for the Bucs. He’s not just undersized for a defensive tackle; he is anorexic for a defensive tackle. That’s the exact opposite of what the Bucs need. I’d stay away if I were Mark Dominik.

NFL Comparison: Matt Roth: It seems like this is the type of defensive lineman they produce at Iowa. Although Roth has much better size and a true position, him and King possess ideal intangibles that you just can’t coach.

Alex MaGee – DT – Purdue
6’3’’ – 298 lbs – 5.07
3rd – 4th Round

Why I’m taking him: After playing his senior season out of position at defensive end, MaGee opened eyes at the senior bowl being back at his natural position inside. He possesses excellent quickness to get penetration and does an equally nice job against the run and pass. He has an excellent motor making him good in pursuit and is a reliable tackler. Magee also never missed a game due to injury.

Why I’m staying away: I’m not sure I know who Alex Magee is. The reason I say this is because he has been inconsistent over his career, and didn’t help himself by playing defensive end last season. His natural position is inside at tackle, but he doesn’t seem to be stout enough to handle double teams. Moving back inside to tackle, Magee might have trouble locating the ball and ball carrier.

Impact on the Bucs roster: Once again, another defensive tackle who’s slightly undersized. Even though his size isn’t ideal yet, Magee has the frame to put on another 10-15 lbs which could make him a possibility. Because of his time at defensive end last season, Magee could slip a little due to his lack of film at defensive tackle. If he does slide, I feel the Bucs should definitely consider him in the 3rd round, and should draft him if he’s available in the 4th round. The talent is there, Magee just needs the coaching to help him bloom.

NFL Comparison: Jovan Haye: Both these players are undersized, but play with a lot of heart. I’m not quite sure if Magee can be a flashy player, but like Haye, he might fly under the radar and be a solid player.

Chris Baker – DT – Hampton
6’2’’ – 326 lbs – 5.03
4th – 5th Round

Why I’m taking him: Baker’s got a lot of talent. He has excellent size for the position, but has the quickness to match it. One of his biggest strengths is his quickness off the snap and penetration into the backfield. He has shown the strength and quickness to split a double team, agility to avoid a cut block, and tenacity to play with such a physical nature.

Why I’m staying away: The guy was dismissed from Penn St. Penn St!!!!!! I thought Joe Paterno was criticized for being too lenient with his players? Hmmm. Baker pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and criminal trespass following two fights in 2007. By July of 2008, he had been dismissed from Penn St. and on his way to Hampton. As for his play, his awareness needs to improved to find the ball carrier.

Impact on the Bucs roster: The question here is whether or not the Bucs might take a risk on a player with questionable character. Jim Bates, has shown his willingness to take chances on players with a lot of talent and questionable character. Without the character, Baker is the type of defensive tackle the Bucs are looking for. He is tough and physical, and equally good against the run and pass. He can take up multiple blockers allowing the linebackers to make the plays.

NFL Comparison: Marcus Thomas: Thomas is one of the players Jim Bates took a chance on while with the Broncos, and Thomas is a very good comparison to Baker. Both these guys have all the talent in the word, they just need to keep their nose clean. I’d expect Baker to be drafted around the same point Thomas was drafted, around the 4th round.

Sammie Lee Hill – DT – Stillman
6’4’’ – 329 lbs – 5.15
4th – 5th Round

Why I’m taking him: Boy, you have to love the size of Hill. Now the question is whether or not he can move that size. Well, for a man his size, Hill has excellent agility and quickness. As a senior in 2008, Hill recorded 7.5 sacks proving he can play the run and pass equally.

Why I’m staying away: Sorry, but I’ve never heard of an NFL player coming from Stillman. I might be mistaken, but still, the level of competition isn’t that good. He needs to play with better leverage or his career in the NFL might be short-lived.

Impact on the Bucs roster: It’s hard to teach this kind of size. It’s my understanding that the Bucs want to get bigger in the middle of their defensive line. Hill is the type of big man that could slip through the cracks and be had in the 4th or 5th round. His skills are there, the question is whether he’ll be able to compete with NFL offensive linemen. I believe that’s one risk the Bucs could be willing to take.

NFL Comparison: Corey Williams: Like Corey Williams, Hill is going to fly under the radar after going to a small school. Also like Williams, Hill can play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or defensive end in a 3-4. The big bodied Hill could really surprise the team that drafts him.

Dorell Scott – DT – Clemson
6’3’’ – 312 lbs – 4.95
4th – 5th Round

Why I’m taking him: I like Scott’s size and quickness combination, but he also has a frame that can add 10-15 lbs. With his big frame, Scott is a force against the run. With better coaching in the NFL, he can become much more consistent. There are times when he flashes the ability not just to take on double teams, but to split them. Injuries are not a concern with Scott.

Why I’m staying away: He’s just not a consistent all-around defensive tackle. As a defensive lineman, you have to come off the snap low and maintain good leverage, Scott fails at this. I see Scott as a rotational defensive lineman and never becoming an impact starter.

Impact on the Bucs roster: If Jim Bates is looking to run a rotation with his defensive tackles, I’d have no problem if the Bucs drafted Scott in the 5th round. I think at any point earlier than that, it might be a bit of a reach. Scott’s a player that could be paired with Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims to give the Bucs the beginning of a decent rotation.

NFL Comparison: Ryan Sims: Much like Sims, Scott will be a backup defensive tackle in the NFL. Similar skill set here, as both these players are much better against the run than they are the pass.

It seems as if some NFL Network producers are regular listeners to "The Howard Stern Show."

As a long-time devotee of “The Howard Stern Show” for some 17 years and running, Joe is just amazed at how many people in television have been “influenced” by regular sketches from the King of All Media. From primetime TV shows to David Letterman to Jay Leno, Stern’s tentacles seemed to have reached all levels of TV.

Well now, to Joe’s true surprise, a segment on NFL Network’s “Total Access” show Wednesday night sure seemed all too close to Stern’s “The Gossip Game” starring the National Enquirer’s Mike Walker.

In “The Gossip Game,” Walker offers up a handful of wild and barely believable scenarios involving celebrities each week. Stern’s cast then votes for the lone false story, often with friendly wagers on the line.

Well some producers at the NFL Network need to at least pay homage to Stern for the segment “The Real Story.”

In Wednesday’s sketch, co-hosts Rich Eisen, Willie McGinest and Warren Sapp tried to guess which story — told by ProFootballTalk.com’s creator, curator and overall guru Mike Florio — was true.

Of the stories offered up by Florio, one was the article on how Chucky allegedly seriously considered taking a coaching gig at a Division-II school in Ohio. Eisen was the only person to guess correctly.

Reacting to the news, Sapp seemed deeply troubled, shaking his head like a cartoon character with his eyes bulging out. Sapp said, “From one of the world’s 50 most beautiful people to Central State? JON!!!”

Joe understands the term “creative license,” but come on, couldn’t Eisen have at least said, “Thanks Howard?”

Even a casual “Baba Booey” would have sufficed.

The top local NFL Draft guru, Justin Pawlowski, is answering e-mail today in his daily podcast.

Your questions came through all week long and Justin takes on loads of them.

Check back soon for Pawlowski’s new in-depth mock draft and a complete breakdown of offensive lineman. All part of the best daily NFL Draft coverage anywhere.

Former Bucs QB Jeff Carlson says Raheem Morris' new buddy philosophy should work because he laid the ground rules early

By Jeff Carlson
JoeBucsFan.com analyst 

Former Bucs quarterback Jeff Carlson trains QBs of all levels via his company, America’s Best Quarterback. You can also find Jeff as an analyst on Bright House Sports Networks and as a host on ESPN 1040 AM, Sundays at 11 a.m.

Raheem Morris is now commanding the troops his way.

New music fills the air. New plays fill the playbooks (far lighter playbooks to carry around, I might add). And his new coaches are getting to know the new-look Buccaneers.

During my NFL days, I played under a number of head coaches, including John Robinson, Ray Perkins, Richard Williamson, Sam Wyche, Ray Handley, Dick McPherson, Bill Parcells and Wade Phillips. One thing is common between these men; they were all quite different from each other.

They motivated in different ways and had different levels of success or failure as the case may be. Tony Dungy won a Super Bowl without emotion, while Jon Gruden won one with a ton.

The Bucs new head man Morris is forging a new philosophy not many have tread before: Being buddies with players.

Jermaine Phillips expressed his pleasure with the new regime, saying it’s nice to be able to punch Morris in the arm now and then.

Don’t know much about punching the head coach in the arm, but if Morris can straddle that fence between motivator and pal, more power to him. Bill Parcells was known to hang around the locker room and B.S. with the best of them. 

I’m not saying it can’t work or won’t work. In fact, I think it will work mostly because he laid the groundwork early.

The new “Ra-laws” about performance expectations (hard, full-padded practices all season) takes away the veteran entitlement that creates dissention. Chopping a few big names from the roster showed everyone is vulnerable.

I like the fact the Bucs look like they are having fun, because shouldn’t grown men playing football for a job that pays a fantasy wage be having the most fun?

Good luck, Coach!

Don Banks of SI.com, and a former Bucs beat writer, penned a column this afternoon and claims only one team has a better chance than the Bucs at landing the services of disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Bucs are in a similar situation to the Jets, with only Luke McCown, Brian Griese and Josh Johnson at quarterback. We know they want Cutler because they wanted him a month ago. The Bucs have never been shy about shipping away first-round picks, giving up two No. 1’s and two No. 2’s for Jon Gruden in 2002, and two No. 1’s for Keyshawn Johnson in 2000. So their No. 19 pick this year is likely a given in any deal, but after that, I’d be very careful if I were the Bucs. If the price tag for Cutler ends up being this year’s No. 1 and next year’s No. 1, that’s too steep. It took Tampa Bay a long time to overcome the loss of so many valuable picks after the Gruden deal, and they’d be wise to not re-dig that hole.

Motivation meter: 9.0.

Joe isn’t so sure about this. Unless the Bucs pull off a three-way deal with another team, Joe doesn’t think the Bucs have enough collateral to pull off this trade.

Wait a minute? Joe thought the Glazer Boys wanted to build through the draft?

Joe was amused to hear a Bucs fan call Sirius NFL Radio this morning to both kvetch about the Bucs not re-signing cornerback Phillip Buchanon and to find out what the Bucs are doing defensively from “The Opening Drive” co-hosts Randy Cross and Peter King. The fan was outraged the Bucs let Buchanon walk “but kept that bum [Michael] Clayton.”

The caller thought it would have been better if not cheaper for the Bucs to keep Buchanon and let Ronde Barber walk.

Both Cross and King explained the Bucs’ decision and gave listeners a quick glimpse into the near future.

Raheem The Dream “is trying to get them to play a much more physically tough defense,” Cross said. In the draft “I think they are going big time on the defensive side. Ronde still has the ability to make plays, to make an interception, to make a big play. That’s why he’s still there.

“Don’t expect this new regime to be all warm and fuzzy. They are not out to make friends.”

King suggested the Bucs wanted to keep Buchanon.

“I think they liked Buchanon but at the end of the day he cost too much blood,” King said. “They liked him for a second or a third corner. Aqib Talib was coming on strong. Buchanon might have been a nickel back. Detroit paid him $4 million a year. That’s all you need to know. That was too much for the Bucs.”

"Yo, Dream. Check out the film. I look alright."

The especially lovely Roxanne Wilder, of Bright House Sports Network, caught up to Derrick Brooks at a local golf course yesterday.

In her interview with Brooks, he talked about how he is “staying patient” and preparing to play football in 2009.

Asked whether he is putting in lots of offseason film study, Brooks said he has been studying film particularly of himself. And Brooks confidently said he is very pleased with much of his performance last season.

As any sober football fan can imagine, the vast majority of chatter on Sirius NFL Radio this morning swirls around Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos declaring the disgruntled signalcaller will be dealt soon.

Most calls are from fans of other teams full of wishful thinking that Cutler will wind up on their doorstep, from Bears fans to Browns fans to Redskins fans.

But SI.com columnist and NBC NFL analyst Peter King threw some cold water on the speculation.

“I’d say that it’s probably 80-20 [Cutler] gets dealt. But I would not put it past Pat Bowlen to just rattle sabers here. Yeah, it’s likely 80-20 he gets traded. But remember one important thing:

“Bus Cook, Cutler’s agent, has said to [SI.com analyst] Don Banks and to me, that Jay Cutler will report for the Broncos mandatory mini-camps, I believe the first one is April 17.

“This is not a situation where Jay Cutler was not going to show up [for a mandatory camp]. It’s not like he is going to stage a wildcat strike. I think it is 80-20 he gets traded but it’s not a lock.”

SI.com columnist and NBC NFL analyst Peter King this morning on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Opening Drive” reinforced a premise THE PESSIMIST had about the Bucs acquiring Sgt. Winslow.

King, who is co-hosting this morning with Bob Papa and Randy Cross, fielded a call from a Browns fan that was critical of the Browns for trading Sgt. Winslow. King quickly set the caller straight.

“That was not a negative move by the Browns, that was a positive move. It was a tremendous deal. When you can get a [second round pick] and a [fifth round pick] for a guy who I will be surprised will have two more healthy years… [Sgt. Winslow] is on his last legs physically so if you can get a two and a five you are doing well.

“Winslow was a constant distraction. That was a good trade, not a negative trade.”

The great VCR master himself, Pat “Vacation Man” Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, says the Bucs will probably need to pay two first round draft picks and a player or two for Jay Cutler.

Now, it’s time for every team interested in Cutler to put all their cards on the table. We’ll find out if the Lions and Jets were bluffing in their reported interest in Cutler. We’ll also find out if Tampa Bay is willing to gamble everything it has.

To truly get into this game, the Bucs have to bid at least their first-round pick. To stay in the game, they’ll probably need to come up with more — like a first-round pick in 2010 and maybe a player or two.

And Vacation Man actually writes that the price for Cutler has dropped. Huh? Joe wonders from where? Isn’t two first rounders and a player high enough?

Joe completely disagrees with this assessment. It shouldn’t take two No. 1 picks to get Cutler.

The Broncos have granted Jay Cutler's wish to be traded, says the Denver Post.

Jay. Jay. Jay. Jay. Jay.

Can’t you just hear the chants now at Raymond James Stadium? The Bucs crowd on its feet for Jay Cutler as Tampa Bay scores its fifth touchdown of the game.

Sure, the Bucs trail in this mythical game 47-38, since they have no defensive line. But it’s fun! And fun has been gone from Tampa for a mighty long time.

The Denver Post now reports the Broncos are trading Jay Cutler ASAP. 

Joe believes the Bucs must get in the mix again. There’s no reason to ridiculously overpay. But they shouldn’t have to. The Broncos have lost a little bit of leverage, though the Bucs will have to compete.  

An NFL source said the Washington Redskins are among the leading candidates to pull off a trade for Cutler. The Redskins have a proven young quarterback, Jason Campbell, and would meet the Broncos’ preference of dealing Cutler outside the American Football Conference. The Redskins also have the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft, one spot behind the Broncos.

The New York Jets have also been aggressive in their pursuit of Cutler. The Jets, who have extra picks in the third and fourth rounds, are better stocked for the upcoming draft than the Redskins, who don’t have picks in the second and fourth round. The Jets have no proven quarterback with the retirement of Brett Favre.

Joe might take some heat here. But by Derrick Ward’s own admission in this video, the Broncos wanted to sign him just before he inked a deal with Tampa. Perhaps he could be part of a trade.

Denver also is desperate for defensive help, and Joe would consider Gaines Adams or Aqib Talib in a deal for Cutler. Of course, Luke McCown, as well.

Should be fun. Joe can’t imagine the Bucs won’t make another offer.

The Dream points to John Madden for the reason he is the Bucs head coach.

New Bucs coach Raheem The Dream has it figured out. He was hired indirectly thanks to John Madden.

More specifically, he and the other under-40 crowd of new NFL coaches are in the business thanks to Madden, the video game version, so The Dream tells SI.com’s Don Banks.

Asked about the league’s trend toward younger head coaches, Morris said: “I told NFL Network the other day that it’s John Madden’s fault. Ever since he made that game, everybody thought they could be a coach. Everybody’s been creating their own teams, doing salary caps since they were 12. He ruined the league for the older coaches. I blame John Madden.”

Someone followed up by asking Morris how much Madden Football he had played.

“Are you kidding me?” he said. “I majored in it in college.”

Pretty good one-liner, Dream.

Banks has an interesting comment about The Dream. Banks notes, “If Morris can coach half as well as he can talk, the Bucs may have landed one of the game’s future greats.”

Joe is of the opposite mind: If The Dream coaches half as good as he talks, the Bucs are in a world of hurt.

Bucs wide receiver Antonio Bryant is reminding Joe of Rickey Henderson, who loved to talk about "Rickey."

Let Joe say that he really likes Antonio Bryant. The passion, the uncensored communication, the talent; he’s a fun guy.

And now, to add to that mix, Bryant likes to talk in the third person. Joe is a big fan of that, too, for obvious reasons.

At today’s mini-camp, Antonio talked to the St. Pete Times about Antonio’s contract and Antonio’s responsibilities.

“I look at it like this: if you get a $9-million raise — did you count the taxes? Did you count the fact that Antonio Bryant just doesn’t take care of Antonio Bryant. Antonio Bryant has got kids, a mom, brothers, sisters. I’ve got people in my family lost their jobs, too. If you’re a guy in this situation and somebody says, “We’re going to give you $10-million,’ of course you’re a guy who’s going to go and think of more than just yourself. You’re going to go beyond that because you’ve got family, you’ve got other people that you’re the backbone for. That’s how I look at it, too. I’m the burden bearer in my family. When things happen, when a crisis happens, they come to me. I’m sure a lot of guys in this locker room understand the situation.”

Times are tight, Antonio. We know. Do your best to stretch that paltry after-tax net of $6 million this year. Joe is pulling for you.

BSPN’s Todd McShay and Vacation Man talk Bucs draft. There’s way too much talk about future NFL stiff and Kansas State quarterback product Josh Freeman. This is beginning to turn Joe’s stomach.

Joe is starting to believe all of this Josh Freeman talk coming from One Buc Palace is simply a bad ruse.

Joe has already stated all this Josh Freeman talk coming out of One Buc Palace may be nothing more than a smoke screen by the Bucs.

Part of this is pure wishful thinking from Joe. But rarely do NFL teams without the first pick in the draft openly gush about a player like the Bucs are drooling over Freeman, who can’t even complete 60 percent of his passes in a horrid defensive conference.

Seems as though BSPN’s Vacation Man, aka Pat Yasinskis, isn’t slurping the hype either.

As I said last week, I think defensive end and defensive tackle are possibilities. There also is a lot of speculation about the Bucs possibly taking quarterback Josh Freeman in the first round.

Since there’s still a lot of time until the draft and speculation is going to keep swirling.

In keeping their draft plans confidential, most NFL teams are more paranoid than Richard Nixon would have been in a roomful of Ivy League leftists. So all this talk of Freeman is starting to convince Joe this is a bad attempt at a diversionary tactic.

Joe hopes this is what is going on.